Freemasons in the Stamford area have donated money to help an appeal to buy special equipment for Peterborough City Hospital.

Freemasons in Stamford, Peterborough and across the region have donated an incredible £27,000 to the Target Cancer Appeal run by the Mercury’s sister paper the Peterborough Telegraph.

The Target Cancer Appeal - organised by the long-running Peterborough Cancer Treatment Appeal and backed by the Telegraph - is aiming to raise £100,000 to buy special laser targeting equipment for the Oncology department at Peterborough City Hospital.

The £27,000 donation came after Mervin Roberts, charity steward of the Petriburg Lodge, Peterborough heard about the fundraising appeal and wrote to all 28 charity stewards at Masonic lodges in the area.

“At the close of play inOctober I had received cheques or vouchers from nine Peterborough lodges, lodges in Stamford, two Wellingborough lodges and one lodge at Eaton Socon, two chapters and one Rose Croix Chapter plus numerous private donation amounting to £16,823.

“My next move was to write a letter to the provincial Grand Charity in Northampton asking for for a donation. Not only did they oblige they went the extra mile by donating a total of £10,677 a sum we were very grateful for.”

Appeal secretary Ron Douglas said organisers were overwhelmed by the donation: “The PCTA is extremely grateful to the Peterborough and District Freemasons for their very generous donation of £27,500 towards our Linac Gating Appeal.

“Thanks to all the Lodges, Chapters, private donations and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire who contributed to the total.”